Anyone running a “non-genuine” copy of Windows who was hoping to take advantage of Microsoft’s free upgrade to Windows 10 offer is likely to be disappointed. Contrary to earlier reports, it seems Microsoft isn’t going to just let anyone upgrade willy-nilly.

Previously it was rumored that Microsoft was so keen to get everyone onto the latest edition of Windows that it would even let ‘pirates’ update for free when the operating system is finally released. But it seems Microsoft has quashed those hopes, at least for now.

Clarification of the matter came from Microsoft’s Operating Systems VP Terry Myerson, although his comments last Friday did leave a little “wiggle room”, so to speak.

Writing in the Windows Blog, Myerson noted that “Non-Genuine Windows has a high risk of malware, fraud, public exposure of your personal information, and a higher risk for poor performance or feature malfunctions.” As a result, “Non-Genuine Windows is not supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner.”

That much we knew already. Microsoft simply doesn’t care to provide security updates if you don’t punch in a genuine license key. But what about those who’re hoping to get legal with Windows 10?

“While our free offer to upgrade to Windows 10 will not apply to Non-Genuine Windows devices, and as we’ve always done, we will continue to offer Windows 10 to customers running devices in a Non-Genuine state,” said Myerson.

“In addition, in partnership with some of our valued OEM partners, we are planning very attractive Windows 10 upgrade offers for their customers running one of their older devices in a Non-Genuine state,” Myerson added. “Please stay tuned to learn more from our partners on the specifics of their offers.”

Microsoft’s policy is about as clear as mud then, so it seems. Or maybe Myerson just isn’t very good at explaining things.

Needless to say, it seems as though Microsoft is willing to make a deal with some “non-genuine” Windows users at least, and will perhaps offer some kind of discount to those running bootlegged copies of Windows 7 and 8. As for who the partners may be, what kind of discounts will be offered, and on what terms, we’ll just have to wait for further clarification.

Given that Microsoft is only working with “some” of its OEM partners, one can’t help thinking it will try to use this opportunity to tackle piracy in countries where it’s all too common, such as China and Thailand, where you’re far more likely to buy a PC running a copied version of Windows rather than a legitimate one.

“Windows 10 is still in development and we won’t be able to answer all questions yet,” wrote Myerson. “But I hope this provides some clarification on important topics.”

Image credit: Daniel Kulinski via Flickr.com